Neowster.com

I am sure many people went through this dilemma. Whether to buy off the shelf or go down to Sim Lim Square to build a custom specification CPU. I just made a decision and will like to share how I arrive at it.

Not surprisingly, the decision was to go with a DIY CPU. The specs and breakdown of cost as below:

• Processor: Intel Duo Core 2180 @ 2.0GHz
• Mainboard: Gigabyte GA-73PVM-S2H - ($247 for both)
• Memory: 2GB Kingston DDR2 800MHz - ($66)
• Storage: Western Digital 250GB 16mb cache SATA2 - ($82)
• Casing: Powerlogic Allegra 500 / 450watt - ($68)
• Extras: LG GH20 DVD Writer - ($43)

Total cost: $506

Well, I am not going into the Intel vs AMD debate, so the off-the-shelf (OTS) alternatives are the Acer, Dell, and Compaq. I can safely assumes most of these branded desktop cost upwards of $1k for their Intel offerings.

what are you paying for

This comparison is on the basis that a OTS offering is easily double the price you are paying for a DIY. So is it worth it? To answer this question, you must first realize that the additional price you are paying goes towards the following:

• Newer Technology - Core2Duo
• Keyboard, Mouse and Monitor - LCD from 19 inch onwards with KB & Mouse
• Design
• Licensed Operating System
• Warranty

Depending on the price, you may get better specs such as a higher capacity harddisk or more RAM.

So the crunch question. Are all these worth 2 times the price which you are paying for a DIY comp? Or perhaps more directly, are all these extras providing you with 2 times increase in performance as compared with the DIY? So now that you know what you are paying for and still like the idea of a OTS offering, then go ahead. At least its an informed decision. If you decide to make your hard earn cash work harder and go DIY, read on

Why DIY

Firstly, besides the obvious cost savings, you get to choose what you want. In my case a Dual Core is enough for my use rather than a C2D (I was using a Pentium 3 btw), and I was particularly looking for an integrated graphics solution with HDMI output, and the Gigabyte mainboard fits my needs.

Next, and most importantly is provision for future upgrades. The mainboard supports next generation Quad Core processors, and the availability of PCI x16 allows me to add a discrete graphics should the need arise. I figured the current setup of E2180 and the Integrated Nvidia graphics should last me for at least 2 years, and my choice of next upgrade could include adding another piece of 2GB ram, a Quad Core chip (which will be mainstream by then) and possibly a discrete graphics for future new standards of HD output if required. I foresee these future upgrades will cost me not more than $200 in 2 years time (not including the graphics card of course).

Finally contrary to conventional wisdom where a OTS CPU last longer, individual DIY components actually have a much longer life span. For instance, your CPU and mainboard warranty is for 3 years, harddisk for 5 years, RAM Lifetime, and all other peripherals for a year at least. This is as compared to OTS which typically offers a 1 year warranty, and having to pay for extended warranty.

conclusion

OTS is not without its merits. It comes complete and works out of the box, with 1 single point of warranty and driver support. That in itself is a competitive advantage which many DIY CPU cannot match, and the reason why I will recommend OTS to my circle of friends should they be able to afford it.

My hope in this article is that after reading, you are aware of the pros and cons between a DIY and OTS and go on to make an informed decision.  I acknowledge that DIY is not for everyone, and I strongly urge even seasoned enthusiasts should leave the assembly of your DIY to the professionals for a small fee simply because many problems arising from DIY CPU arise from poor handling / assembly.

And if I may humbling suggest, my config for my DIY rig is currently one of the best value out in the market. So act fast before the market stops the production of Dual Core E-series and you will be forced to go with a C2D, which brings up the price significantly, and make the decision that much more tricky.

Note: Price quoted are correct as of 4th May 2008 and is subject to change without notice. Items were brought from the excellent Laser Distribution location on Level 5 SLS.